PUBG Corp Files Copyright Claim Against EPIC Games

PUBG Corp has filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, the developers of Fortnite, PUBG’s main competitor, over alleged copyright infringement. This follows up on an injunction filed in January by PUBG Corp (then Bluehole) against Epic Games Korean branch, according to the Korean Times. The copyright lawsuit claims Fortnite plagiarises PUBG. Further details on exactly how Fortnite breaches copyright aren’t clear at this time as details of the lawsuit are yet to be released.

The original Fortnite was a wave-defence game featuring building mechanics.

The situation is further complicated because of the pre-existing business relationship between PUBG Corp and Epic Games. PUBG is built on the Unreal Engine 4, which PUBG Corp licensed from Epic and therefore pay large amounts in royalties to Epic, according to CEO Chang Han Kim.

Furthermore, Epic used PUBG to promote Fortnite with no prior agreement or permission from PUBG Corp. There’s also an issue of notable similarities between the two games UI design, which Bluehole first raised concern about in September 2017, right before Fortnite: Battle Royale launched.

“Our name was used to officially promote their game without our knowledge. There was no discussion. It was just a bit surprising and disappointing to see our business partner using our name officially to promote the game mode that is pretty similar to us ...”
– Chang Han Kim, CEO of PUBG Corp

Fortnite is now a Battle Royale game, with its origins all but forgotten.

The situation between the giants of Battle Royale is likely to go on for some time, with both sides having more money than they reasonably know what to do with. Ergo, this initial lawsuit is likely to be the first shot in a lengthy legal war between the two companies. This is one situation we’ll be keeping a close eye on, as 2018 could prove to be the Battle Royale of Battle Royale developers. Especially since Radical Heights, a Battle Royale developed by former Epic Creative Director, Cliff Blezinski, has already bit the dust.

I write about Esports, covering emerging titles, balance patches, and the growth of the Industry itself in Ireland and abroad. My first foray into competitive gaming was Halo 2, and have since played almost every genre competitively. Currently, I play on Xbox and PC, with Over. When I'm not gaming or streaming, I can be found reading and writing Sci-Fi or playing Dungeons & Dragons.